2027 Budget adds RM160 million package to boost gig workers' earnings and safety
The 2027 Budget introduces a RM160 million scheme, co-funded by the government and Grab, to raise median incomes and provide vehicle, insurance and retirement benefits for e-hailing drivers and delivery riders.
When the 2027 Budget was tabled on Oct 9, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim unveiled a RM160 million welfare program for gig economy participants, jointly financed by the government and ride-hailing platform Grab. The scheme aims to lift the median monthly net pay of e-hailing drivers by as much as RM227 and that of delivery riders by RM100, while also covering vehicle maintenance, insurance and providing matching contributions to the Social Security Organisation and Employees Provident Fund, with a yearly cap of RM600.
Workers like 27-year-old food-delivery rider Mohd Iskandar Demali and 44-year-old e-hailing driver Sulaiman Ibrahim said the assistance will ease operating costs and help them save for their families. Another rider, Mohd Kusyairi Jamaluddin, highlighted the safety net created by the Socso and EPF incentives. The measures reflect the government's response to rising living costs and the challenges faced by gig workers in Melaka and beyond.
Why it matters
It provides financial relief and social protection to millions of gig workers, a growing segment of the labour market.
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